HB 179 - Responsible Judges Act

• Establishes that malfeasance by judges includes exercising legislative power, making this grounds for impeachment across all judicial levels (Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and Superior Court).

• Requires impeachment proceedings to originate in the Alaska Senate with approval by a two-thirds vote, followed by trial in the House of Representatives requiring two-thirds concurrence for removal.

• Mandates that the motion for impeachment must fully list the basis for the proceeding and a Supreme Court justice designated by the court shall preside at the trial.

• Limits impeachment judgments to removal from office only but does not prevent separate court proceedings on the same or related charges, with the legislature's impeachment judgment exempt from judicial review.

• Takes effect immediately upon enactment.